[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO COMDR. HENRY J. BRANTINGHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 1997

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the outstanding 
service and dedication of Comdr. Henry J. Brantingham, whose career in 
the U.S. Navy spanned three decades and which included over eight 
awards and recognitions. Commander Brantingham recently passed away and 
I would like to take a moment to commend this individual's exceptional 
service to our country.
  Henry began his career with the U.S. Navy 58 years ago with his 
graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy with the class of 1939. 
Following graduation, he served on the cruiser Minneapolis and several 
destroyers, later volunteering for motor torpedo boat training. He was 
subsequently ordered to duty in the Philippines at the outbreak of 
World War II. It was here that Henry accompanied Gen. Douglas MacArthur 
in his historical trip from Manila to the island of Cebu and onto the 
United States.
  After returning to the United States, Henry was assigned to P.T. boat 
training duties at Newport, RI, and was subsequently sent to the South 
Pacific for the duration of the Solomon Islands campaign where he 
commanded a force of 1,100 personnel. Henry was also a member of the 
unit sent to rescue John F. Kennedy and his crew when their P.T. boat 
had been cut in two by a Japanese destroyer.
  Following World War II, Henry was ordered to icebreaker duties and 
served on five expeditions to the Arctic aboard the Edisto. His final 
sea command was aboard the icebreaker Burton Island, which he took to 
both the Arctic and the Antarctic. While in the Antarctic, Henry 
rescued a number of Japanese scientists whose icebreaker had become 
stranded and led them to open seas enabling their return to Japan. In 
1964, Comdr. Henry Brantingham voluntarily retired from the U.S. Navy 
having earned several decorations that included two Silver Stars, a 
Legion of Merit with combat ``V'', a Presidential Unit Commendation, 
and four campaign ribbons for his actions in the Pacific.
  Henry and his wife, Elaine, had two children, William and Nancy. 
William served honorably in the Vietnam war with the United States Army 
and was, unfortunately, fatally injured in an automobile accident after 
coming home. Nancy currently lives in the San Diego area with her 
husband David and their 6-year-old son Bill. Mrs. Brantingham lives in 
La Jolla, CA, where she remains active in community affairs, including 
the La Jolla Unit of Pro America, the La Jolla Republican Women 
Federation, and in assisting new citizens with their voter 
registration.
  Mr. Speaker, in an era when the U.S. military is often not given 
sufficient recognition, outstanding leaders such as Commander 
Brantingham, exemplify the commitment our Armed Forces has to superior 
performance.

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